Glossary
Appeals
Persuasive strategies used in arguments to influence an audience's beliefs or actions beyond just presenting facts.
Example:
A political campaign might use various appeals to connect with voters on different levels, from their values to their emotions.
Assumptions
Unstated beliefs or preconceptions that an argument relies upon as true without explicit proof.
Example:
An argument claiming 'Everyone knows that renewable energy is too expensive' makes an assumption that this is a universally accepted fact without providing data.
Core Values (Appeal to)
A persuasive strategy that connects an argument to fundamental beliefs or principles widely accepted by a society or group.
Example:
An argument for universal healthcare might appeal to the core value of equality and the right to health for all citizens.
Correlation vs. Causation
The distinction between two variables moving together (correlation) and one variable directly causing a change in another (causation).
Example:
Observing that ice cream sales and drowning incidents both increase in summer shows a correlation, but it doesn't mean ice cream causes drowning; both are influenced by warm weather.
Emotions (Appeal to)
A persuasive strategy that attempts to sway an audience by evoking feelings such as fear, pity, anger, or joy.
Example:
A documentary about climate change might use an appeal to emotions by showing powerful images of melting glaciers and displaced wildlife.
Evidence Types
The various categories of information or data used to support a claim, such as statistics, facts, expert testimony, or anecdotal accounts.
Example:
When evaluating a historical argument, a researcher might consider the mix of primary source documents, archaeological findings, and secondary scholarly analyses as different evidence types.
Field Support
The degree to which an argument or finding aligns with the general consensus, established theories, or prevailing perspectives within a specific academic discipline.
Example:
A groundbreaking new theory that contradicts decades of established scientific understanding would initially face challenges in gaining field support.
Implications
The potential consequences, future effects, or broader significance that logically follow from a study's findings or an argument's conclusion.
Example:
Research showing a strong link between screen time and sleep quality has significant implications for public health recommendations for adolescents.
Limitations
The constraints, weaknesses, or boundaries of a research study or argument that might affect its generalizability, validity, or scope.
Example:
A study conducted only on participants from a single university might acknowledge its limitations in generalizing findings to the entire student population.
Logic (Appeal to)
A persuasive strategy that attempts to convince an audience through reasoning, facts, and evidence, aiming for rational acceptance.
Example:
A scientific journal article primarily uses an appeal to logic by presenting empirical data, statistical analysis, and a reasoned discussion of findings.
Logical Fallacies
Errors in reasoning that undermine the logical validity of an argument, often making it seem sound when it is not.
Example:
Assuming that because a famous person uses a product, it must be superior, is an example of an appeal to authority, which can be a logical fallacy.
Logical Flow
The coherent and sequential progression of ideas and reasoning within an argument, where each point naturally leads to the next.
Example:
A well-structured essay with an introduction that sets the stage, body paragraphs that build on each other, and a conclusion that summarizes, demonstrates strong logical flow.
Objections
Counterarguments or criticisms raised against a claim, conclusion, or aspect of a research study.
Example:
During a thesis defense, committee members often raise objections to the methodology or interpretation of results to ensure rigor.
Personal Biases (Appeal to)
A persuasive strategy that leverages an audience's existing beliefs, preferences, or prejudices to gain agreement.
Example:
A commentator might use an appeal to personal biases by framing a complex issue in a way that confirms the audience's pre-existing political leanings.
Playing Devil's Advocate
The act of intentionally taking an opposing viewpoint in an argument or discussion to explore its weaknesses or test its strength.
Example:
During a group discussion about a research topic, one student decided to play devil's advocate to challenge the prevailing opinion and uncover potential counterarguments.
Reasonableness
The quality of an argument or claim being fair, sensible, and not extreme or exaggerated, often indicating reliability.
Example:
A research paper that presents a balanced view of its findings, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses, demonstrates reasonableness in its conclusions.
Usefulness
The practical applicability or relevance of an argument or finding to a specific research question, paper, or broader academic context.
Example:
While a historical analysis of ancient farming techniques might be valid, its usefulness for a paper on modern sustainable agriculture might be limited without clear connections.
Validity
The extent to which an argument's conclusion logically follows from its premises or evidence, indicating sound reasoning.
Example:
A research study that clearly demonstrates a cause-and-effect relationship between variables, with its conclusion directly supported by the data, exhibits high validity.